Weeks Ahead

 

LAST NIGHT----I genuinely hesitated to ask my friends over social media about keeping me in their thoughts and prayers for the next several weeks. I seriously never feel comfortable asking friends for prayers let alone trying to make it come across as being desperate or anything like that-- but I also got quite a bit of things on my plate that are coming up soon!!! 

Aside from all of the endless opportunities that have been placed in my life, I am extremely unsure if I need to step back from things which at this point is almost too late to decide on-- because I already did make the commitment to stick with them. I know it is probably coming across slightly weird right now, but having the experience to be a part of seven (Yes... I said that!!!) committees in the disability world- that I am so thrilled to help out with and yet I am the kind of person who never says the word No when new chances make their way to them. 

After I asked my friends to keep me in their thoughts and prayers-- I have slowly began to feel some of those prayers remind me that I can make it through this!!! It has given me a boost of confidence that I'll need as I begin to see stuff fall into place and unfold right in front of me, which is the coolest part about deciding on whatever it is the group I'm involved with wants to do. I am grateful for my NINJA group-- who continues to watch out for each other no matter what it is going on and checking up to see how all of us are doing is just simply a blessing. 

Let me give you a little glimpse into what I have coming up in the weeks ahead: (Hopefully I can keep my composure together as I make my mark in this world-- But you understand what I mean right?!)

Three Educational Trainings (Speakers Network)

Virtual Disability Planning Conference Committees

YLC Responsibilities

Governor Appointed Councils (USILC & DD Council)

As you can see from this list here, I have quite a bit on my plate this year and only so much more to still keep learning as I move forward after this health epidemic is behind us. It has emotionally drained me-- without even realizing the pain that has gotten left behind still has a scar that is not quite fully healed at this very moment and it will take awhile. I know this entire blog post does not make sense whatsoever... but it has left me feeling slightly confused if I even made the right decisions to give my ideas and input on things I know are gonna make those events run smoothly let alone be ones that nobody will forget!!!

I have lots of extra support and assistance from people who love what they do... even though it is not at times easy during the circumstances that we are still dealing with everyday. I am grateful for their kind hearts, willingness to step up to the plate when it is not always what they feel comfortable doing, (with so many other reasons that I could list off right here). I know they have all left an imprint on my heart- in ways I am certain they have no clue about whatsoever and I am gonna never let it disappear from my life any time soon!!! #JustKeepHopping #BunnyMotivation #ImJustSaying #Randomness 

Random Stories

 Unexpected Happiest Surprise Ever!! (Mini Story)

This afternoon I received a text message about a Zoom activity that would be taking place and little did I even know what was gonna happen within minutes of being logged in!!! All of the sudden-- I find myself saying with a very much surprised look on my face: "OMG!!! (Oh My Goodness--- I don't even have any idea about what I said next because obviously I was in complete shock over what had just happened.) It is certainly not something I was legitimately informed about whatsoever early on-- but if you ask me I'd not ever be able to describe what came over me in that moment. LONG STORY SHORT---One of the USILC Staff who I see quite often on a regular basis through various disability related things that I am involved with came onto the Zoom Meeting to join us and say Hi!! I immediately asked them where their bunny who I love so much was at and unfortunately I didn't get a chance to see his adorable self on the call but hopefully on the next call or down the road-- I will be able to spend virtual time with him. 

Continuation (Part Two)

We went on to discuss what it means to be humorous and not insult people (which if you ask me is simply something all of us need to understand every once in awhile.) I was very much not sure what to do in lots of those situations not knowing if people were insulting others or just laughing at themselves. I have more often than not experienced moments in my life, when I was not clearly sure if someone treated me with an absolute sense of respect or if I just took what they said close to heart. Being the sensitive person that I am in this world, I would never know if someone just wanted to hurt my feelings on purpose or find happiness to make themselves feel better. 

Swamped (Part Three)

Despite my life being slightly more crazy than I am used to--- it is definitely a chance for me to keep learning and growing as a self advocate, leader, mentor and friend. I am obviously not perfect at most things that I have continued to do for many years, but I do feel grateful for the opportunities to educate people on topics that I know need to be shared throughout this world. It gives me a sense of well being and knowing I can impact a person's life in some way or another through the messages I give in all of my trainings. More to come later on in the next week!!! :) 

Prom Night

Virtual Night To Shine 2021 (Highlights)

I truly loved spending quality time with my friends all night long was a dream come true!!! Once my twin sister and I were all ready for an unforgettable evening-- We picked up our best friend Maria on the way to Olive Garden for dinner. All of us ordered pasta dishes as well as salads (along with their breadsticks) and just enjoyed being together!!! It was definitely an experience that I know none of us will forget and could not wait for what was gonna happen next-- but there's more to tell :) We headed up to Danielle's house for the remainder of our Night To Shine experience and believe it or not-- We were most definitely in heaven and didn't stop partying it up till about late into the night hours!!! Her house was decorated with all pink, sparkles, and not to mention dancing the night away with music we loved (certainly met all of our some what legitimate expectations). 

We snacked on our favorite treats and pretty much laughed till our hearts were tired... but if you ask me it never stopped there!!! We also got to watch this unforgettable event take place virtually which if you must know was certainly something that I know is never gonna be forgotten. I also really loved hearing from a lot of celebrities that I knew of but a lot we didn't know of either... but their messages of letting us know-- how special all of us Kings and Queens are in this world. We also danced the night away with music that I will admit was pretty legit and well loved by all of my friends throughout our entire night hanging out w/ each other. 

(Crowning Ceremony)

This was slightly different than it has been in years past-- but if you ask me, I am certain there will be endless stories to tell as the years go by. All of us were called to walk upstairs in our friend's home and quietly wait for our names to be called out as we would be crowned Queens of the prom!!! It was truly one of the most memorable moments ever and knowing that this time next year, this event is gonna be back in person and probably more amazing than we could dream of. There was a lot of smiles and not to mention surprises that we expected-- but had no idea when they were gonna arrive. We strutted our personalities and elegance down the staircase and waited to receive our crowns as well swag baskets with fun stuff to enjoy. 

Overall, I will have to admit despite the circumstances we were in--- I am so grateful this event was still able to take place and happen all over the USA!!! I loved being able to feel the unity and unconditional love for people just like me who want to feel a part of society (because this past year was more than an absolute pleasant experience for us, due to the endless ways people wanted to tear themselves apart and not keeping it together like we all know it should be!!!)

The Genesis Project - Thank you so much for hosting yet again one of the most amazing events ever & cannot wait to see what you all have planned out for next year!!! I love being a part of Night To Shine through an organization that just simply makes every single person feel loved and a part of this world, which in my eyes means so much more than anything else. Look forward to partying it up even more when the year 2022 rolls into town and the epidemic is out of the picture.

Exclusive Peek

Virtual Self Advocacy Conference (New Update)

THIS MORNING---I participated in my first ever meeting to help plan out a virtual disability conference and cannot wait to see everything unfold. I am grateful for this new opportunity of being able to learn and present messages of hope as well as realizing what their full potential in life is--(but knowing who I am as a self advocate, leader, mentor and friend there is only a lot more to learn.) Stay tuned for more updates & stories to come!!! 

New Leadership Role?! (NINJA Planning Committee) 

This is definitely one of the newest opportunities that has somehow come into my lap and talking stuff out with a friend was extremely helpful for me. I am definitely grateful for the many people who are going to assist and help make things for this virtual conference one to remember!!! I know there are so many other things for me to keep learning along this journey and not knowing if I am even the person to take the lead on stuff is obviously in the works. It is not necessarily an absolute significant commitment whatsoever---- but if you ask me, I can only hope for the best in the many adventures that are gonna take place. I am truly grateful for an opportunity to keep developing my skills as a leader and someone who is willing to take on whatever task is in front of them!!! 

Anxiety Status (Final Part)

Back when this health epidemic started-- I had little to no idea about the outcome it was gonna leave me in and quite frankly I am getting tired of all the endless restrictions/boundaries!!! I'm ready for a chance to keep moving forward in hopes to one day wrap my arms around friends who I have genuinely missed spending quality time with so much. I know there is such a long road for me to walk down and until the moment comes when I can finally take a sigh of relief-- I am not sure how things are gonna look. I can't wait for that announcement to be made when this craziness is behind us and we can all look towards the future!!! I genuinely continued to let this unpredictable time in my life take over the fact that I know my own control with anything is just gonna keep being worse unless I pause to focus on me for a little bit if not more than usual. This past year was not necessarily anything that I had pictured it to become (which knowing the person that I am right now is where I need to be.) It is certainly not what I had imagined to see myself going through and feeling like no matter the challenges in front of me, I can easily turn all of it around to see everything in a different perspective. 

Free Write

When I first applied to be on the (Youth Advisory Committee) three years ago--- I had little to no idea if there was anything for me to contribute let alone share with people. LONG STORY SHORT- I went thru an experience that never should have taken place and yet here I am still years later with the responsibility of being the newly elected secretary. It has been such an absolute delight for me to take notes and make sure everything is prepped beforehand as well as looks very professional--- (Which if you ask me is just one of those things that I can only hope to continue making a good impression with my fellow members) but you get the idea here?!?! I am grateful for the patience of my executive team who are the best people ever and continue to amaze me with their talents of seeing the best in me (no matter how much I feel as though my responsibilities are being underappreciated.) 

Bunny Sweater (Surprise!!)

It has been only four months into this new leadership role and still have so much more to learn from those who did this stuff long before I made the effort to step up my game. I am certainly grateful for the endless laughs and smiles we have shared with each other (which if you ask me is just nothing short of a dream-- come true!!! Not to mention our fabulous chair person is currently working on knitting our favorite bunny in the whole world a sweater!!! I could not be more than excited about it and seeing it on him is gonna be the most unforgettable moment ever, but who am I kidding here?!! I am certain it will look adorable once everything is finished up and ready to get sent off to him in a few days!!! (FYI: It was clearly my idea but my friend Lizzie gets all of the rest of it done, our main staff person is gonna hopefully send us off a photo of him with the sweater on!!! Crossing my fingers!!)

Next Surprise (Shhh)

I have mentioned this already in a previous blog post-- but I am hopeful it ends up being the most legit surprise ever!!! I am not gonna mention too much about how excited or thrilled I am about seeing that look on my friends face and knowing it was all gonna be completely worth waiting for. It is definitely not something I knew was gonna be hard to keep secret and yet I am determined to make this happen- no matter what happens along the way. It combines both of my favorite things in the whole world and don't mind me telling you it is gonna be the most legitimate surprise ever!! I have all planned out with sending off the next YLC Meeting agenda to my fellow members and then sending it to myself only to forward it onto our main staff person in charge to see their most genuine reaction!!! Stay tuned for the updates and stories to come!!! :) 

Untitled Post

It has certainly gotten so much harder for me to write up anything new and especially since most of my life is documented in these endless posts that never seem to end. I am definitely hoping there will be so much more to share as this new year continues to unfold and give me some of the most unforgettable & wonderful memories ever!!!

Virtual Self Advocacy Conference (Planning Committee)

I could not genuinely be more than excited about this new experience of being on the side who assists in trying to plan out a disability conference that is normally in person at a hotel--- has been legitimately just gotten itself to being online because of the health epidemic. I am not necessarily sure what else to think-- with all of this virtual world stuff and somehow I know things will end up being probably a lot more than boring for those who end up attending with us. There is not necessarily much of anything else to share on this subject for the time being and until everything is sorted out in a way--that I know will fall into place when they are supposed to!!!

NINJA Planning Committee (Still Unofficial News)

I simply decided this last week to make it somewhat official-- but until anything happens with chatting about stuff I am not sure what is to come up next. I am hoping we can discuss some very legit things on making the conference itself very successful for everyone involved. I cannot wait to share my input that will hopefully make the event one to remember and not turn out as a complete epic fail-- (which I am so certain is not gonna be the case whatsoever!!!) Stay tuned for more updates and actual stories to share!!

Anxiety Status: (Part Three)

I definitely have such an absolute long road in front of me as I have mentioned endless times before. It has given me reasons to sit down and take some breaths of relief---(only because I seriously hate when my anxiety becomes so unfathomable to deal with that I am hyperventilating so much it doesn't look so pretty.) I am trying my hardest to make an effort with trying to focus on what is most important to me-- which at times does change itself more often than I would prefer it to!!! 

Highlights

 YLC Meeting Updates 2021:

I ended up being one of the first people who legitimately almost cried their eyes out while explaining what their favorite movie was (as it was one of the icebreaker questions that I asked everyone today!) Whenever I come across a thought to share an experience that most people who know me, have never heard me talk about before until today. 

About five years ago--- One of my classmates that I went to school ended up being diagnosed with stage three cancer and they ended up creating a blog about their experience with something that I would never understand going through. As part of this, I simply decided to take this opportunity and reach out to them through sharing uplifting quotes or inspirational thoughts. LONG STORY SHORT--- This classmate who attended school with me through the years (parents attended this church related event and ran up towards my parents indicating how much they appreciated how kind I was towards their daughter.) It reminded me about how much a random act of kindness goes a long way in life and I'm grateful to have been one of the many people who I am sure impacted that persons life so much more than their own. 

Hidden Surprise (April 2021)

Once my next YLC Meeting happens-- I have decided to combine both of my favorite things in this world and will be using it as the next cute image on our YLC meeting agenda!!! I am going to keep what I have chosen to be a total surprise for a friend of mine and in hopes they will either be in just absolute shock or not sure what to say expect laugh out loud. Shhh... I am not gonna spill anymore about this!!! Stay tuned for an update to never be forgotten!! 

Best Committee Ever!!!

This leadership committee is truly such an absolute delight in more ways than one!!! It has definitely improved significantly from the first time I stepped onto the committee, with not knowing three years ago if this was something I wanted to stick out. I have really enjoyed getting to contribute in one way with trying to make an effort in having everything run smoothly. It is truly such an amazing privilege for me to work alongside the best people ever and learning from them every other month is nothing I would have ever imagined!!! I really love being able to laugh out loud with them on our meetings and doing my absolute best in doing my job right-- (No matter the circumstances that I have put myself in for what it is to come next.) 

Virtual Session

This event is one that I've always looked forward to doing every year up in Salt Lake City, Utah and just simply getting to hang out at the Capitol Rotunda which if you ask me is absolutely such a beautiful and well maintained historic building. After the emotional treacherous virtual training that happened this last week-- I am definitely hoping it will be a much more enjoyable night of talking with legislators that will be participating on it with us. 

If I can be legitimately honest with you right now... I am beginning to get tired of virtual events all the time and not knowing when things are gonna be settled down as well as back to normal. I am ready for unforgettable times with my friends and those I have greatly missed so much from when our lives were completely turned upside down!!! (Not gonna mention anything more about this!!)

(Other News)

Virtual Self Advocacy Conference (Planning Committee)

I have assisted with helping to plan disability conferences before and never quite like what it is gonna be happening in the next week or so. I am excited for this new opportunity of being able to learn new things and improve on my leadership skills in ways that I never have done before!!! Please stay tuned for more updates and stories to come down the road. It is gonna be such an incredible experience and hopefully if not one that I will hold close to my heart forever!!!

Surprises To Come

There are so many unforgettable surprises that I am very excited about sharing with you all and hoping I will be able to convey at some point in time!!! It is truly gonna be one of the most happiest and if not worth mentioning an experience that I know will legitimately bring happy tears to a person's eyes once they realize what is clearly happening. Please stay tuned for more of these to come and hopefully when tomorrow afternoon gets itself here--I will be able to unleash what things are!!! :)

Goal Marker

Virtual Legislative Training (Hardest Day Ever)

I legitimately hope this event will never take place online again in the distant future and knowing the very consistent struggles that I've had with not being able to spend time with friends is just another story!!! I'm definitely grateful for the technology that we have to connect with people in our lives, but for me is really beginning to get old fairly quick and I am ready to be around my friends that I have missed so much thru out this past year!!! I certainly learned lots of important things about the process of knowing what I need information on with being a member of the disability community and knowing that I can make an impact with just simply getting my voice heard. 

Three Hundredth Post (Milestone)

I am legitimately not sure what to think about this goal marker of mine, but it has been such an absolute dream come true for me!!! I started writing on my blog about five years ago and never thought it would reach something like me blogging my three hundredth post. I am grateful for the stories that I have just simply gotten to share with all of you throughout these past several years and knowing that I'll be able somehow make an impact on the lives of those whoever come across my blog. 

YLC Updates:

I cannot even imagine what my life would turn out to become once my time is up with this committee. I'm certain my life has never been the same with the many friendships and leaders who have inspired me to be an even more informed, motivated disability leader that I need to be in this world. I feel just amazingly blessed to know and work alongside the greatest people ever... (Not just saying that in my blog post here, but it is more true than I could easily admit.)